The latest cd from Jazz singer/pianist Jamie Cullum had a lot to live up to. His debut album, Twentysomething, showed Cullum doing mostly covers of popular songs. Which was rather delightful, to hear jazz renditions of songs by Radiohead, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Buckley, and Pharrell Williams. The few original songs that he actually wrote were mixed in and had a great sound to them. So of course when I realized he had a new cd out I was all for listening to it. Catching Tales, is good, but it just isn’t Twentysomething. It is a shame because this new album is mostly original material, with about only 3 covers and I really wanted to be able to get into his originals. Songs like Get Your Way, are enjoyable but lose their sparkle after awhile. I was even disappointed by one of the covers on the album. His rendition of I Only Have Eyes For You, lacks something. I must commend his cover of Catch the Sun by the Doves though, it is one of my favorite songs on the album. If you are really into the Harry Connick Jr. sound then you will probably love this cd, but I suggest new listeners check out his last album if they want to hear the best Jamie Cullum has to offer.

RIYL: Harry Connick Jr., Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin

Dirty Tracks: 5

Recommended Tracks: 1, 10 (This is the Doves cover song), 2, 13